lake effect

noun

: a meteorological phenomenon in which warm moist air rising from a body of water mixes with cold dry air overhead resulting in precipitation especially downwind
usually hyphenated when used attributively
lake-effect snows

Examples of lake effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In parts of the Northeast, lake effect snow will contribute to higher snowfall amounts, with meteorologists warning of up to 5 inches in the Buffalo, New York, forecast area. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 Later into the evening, lake effect plumes may take shape, adding additional accumulation. December 6, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025 As Michigan reels from winter storms that dropped over 2 feet of snow in some areas, more lake effect snow is on the way, according to the National Weather Service. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 1 Dec. 2025 Parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes region are expected to see lake effect snow this week. Simmone Shah, Time, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lake effect

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lake effect was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lake effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lake%20effect. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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